Petrified Forest in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 59/100 · #10 of 12 months
December is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Petrified Forest National Park: crowds run 46% of the June peak (29,406 average visits), days average 47°F with 9.8 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in December
Petrified Forest averages 29,406 recreation visits in December — 46% of what June, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.
Weather & daylight
Daytime stays cool (highs average 47°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 22°F). It is typically dry (0.8″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 9.8 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station PAINTED DESERT NP, AZ US (2 mi from park coordinates, 5,760 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.
What to pack for Petrified Forest in December
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 22°F, below freezing
- Headlamp — only 9.8 hours of daylight in mid-December
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Petrified Forest are February and April.
Also at their best in December
Other parks whose computed December verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- American Samoa in December — 17% of peak crowds, highs 88°F, score 66/100
- Everglades in December — 72% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 64/100
- Biscayne in December — 77% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 62/100
Common questions
Is Petrified Forest crowded in December?
Moderately: December runs 46% of the June peak, averaging 29,406 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Petrified Forest in December?
Average highs of 47°F, lows of 22°F, 0.8″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, PAINTED DESERT NP, AZ US station).
What should I pack for Petrified Forest in December?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Headlamp; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-09-12